Think I Got A Water Pump Problem - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

78SilveradoSWB · 07-03-2003, 08:26 PM

My truck has been running hot lately, getting as high as 225 degrees and I can smell radiator antifreeze. Thought it was a bad thermostat I replaced it this morning and refilled with new anti-freeze. I ran the engine for a bit letting the temp rise and it still got over 210 degrees. Antifreeze was squirting straight down from the crank pulley. I'm assuming its coming out from the pump weep hole? Safe to assume its a water pump going out? I noticed yesterday a slight drag on the power steering which could be the pump seizing, causing a drag on the power steering.
You guys think my analysis is correct? If its a pump, I guess it would be a good time to get new hoses and belts too.

**swervin ervin** · 07-03-2003, 08:28 PM

If it's leaking out the weep hole, which is sounds like it is, yes, you are right. Time for a pump change.

**old Rusty C10** · 07-03-2003, 08:55 PM

from what you describe it sounds quite possible if not definite the water pump is going if ya are handy and have a reasonable idea of what youre doing, its a two hour job on the outside.. if not its gonna take a spell longer
the pumps go for about $30 rebuilt at pep boys
if youre going for hoses too may as well get new clamps too if therye kinda shot

78SilveradoSWB · 07-03-2003, 09:15 PM

It looks like the original water pump. Engine has almost 175K on it. I guess nothing lasts forever. Last year, I replaced the starter with a rebuilt. I think I'll get a NAPA one for now. Was thinking about getting a Stewart, but I guess I can wait till I get a different engine.

**swervin ervin** · 07-03-2003, 09:39 PM

I was going to recommend a Stewart pump, but didn't. I have one and wouldn't have any other kind on my truck. If/when you do get one, you won't be sorry, for sure. A big block needs help with cooling anyway. A good pump will help. I guess since you are planning on replacing the engine, it wouldn't make much sense getting a Stewart pump now.

Mike76251 · 07-04-2003, 12:30 AM

Wanna buy a new pump?
I have a new BB pump made by TRW I will sell.
It is a high-perfomance job with a large (3/4") shaft and ball bearings made in USA.
It sold for $89 and I will take $69 for it.
I take Paypal.
Mike

78SilveradoSWB · 07-04-2003, 01:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mike76251
Wanna buy a new pump?
I have a new BB pump made by TRW I will sell.
It is a high-perfomance job with a large (3/4") shaft and ball bearings made in USA.
It sold for $89 and I will take $69 for it.
I take Paypal.
Mike

Would I need to get a new pulley to fit 3/4" shaft or is that the same size as OEM? Is that $69 shipped? If not, what would shipping be to 97008?

Mitch

Mike76251 · 07-04-2003, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 78SilveradoSWB

Would I need to get a new pulley to fit 3/4" shaft or is that the same size as OEM? Is that $69 shipped? If not, what would shipping be to 97008?

Mitch

You won't need a new pulley. It is necked down at the end to use what you have.
It will be $75 with shipping to 97008.
Good Luck,
Mike

78SilveradoSWB · 07-07-2003, 06:41 PM

Just visited my local NAPA service center to get a quote on a new water pump and installation. A new pump installed would be $193 including a gallon of anti-freeze. He cautioned me that it may not be the water pump but the radiator and before buying a new water pump, he suggested I take it to a radiator shop to check the radiator. He asked me when the radiator was last flushed. Of course I didn't know because I bought this truck 2 years ago and with no history, but there is no evidence if it ever has. From his experience, trucks as old as ours tend to have a big build up in the radiator almost half way up the core causing the system to overheat and thus causing the water to weep out the pump. He told me to check the water pump by squeezing the hose and feel for the pulsation to verify if the pump is pumping or not. Wonder if I can fix the problem by flushing out the radiator myself with one of those Prestone kits? Or take it to the radiator shop so they can take the radiator apart and clean out the core?

ElGracho · 07-07-2003, 08:13 PM

A brand new GDI radiator for your truck is $208 from Autozone or $209 from Schucks. You can save 5% by pricematching one against the other. I wouldn't think twice about replacing it vs. having yours cleaned out. The radiator shop will probably charge you $150 and one that is cleaned won't last as long as a new one. I would guess you will end up replacing the water pump, hoses and the radiator by the time you are done, you might as well only drain the system once and do it all now.

Mike76251 · 07-08-2003, 07:24 AM

That's a new one on me......
The radiator causing the water pump to weep.
I thought a weeping water pump meant the front seal was bad and NOTHING else.

78SilveradoSWB · 07-10-2003, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by swervin ervin
I was going to recommend a Stewart pump, but didn't. I have one and wouldn't have any other kind on my truck. If/when you do get one, you won't be sorry, for sure. A big block needs help with cooling anyway. A good pump will help. I guess since you are planning on replacing the engine, it wouldn't make much sense getting a Stewart pump now.

Mike:

I took your advice and ordered me a Stewart Stage 1 pump for $85.95, bolt kit, 195 degree special Robertshaw thermostat, and sealant for a grand total of $126.10 shipped. When I get a new engine, I'll just take it off and use it.

MylilBowTie · 07-10-2003, 05:29 PM

If you do need a radiator check out carradiator.com They have pretty good prices and its free to find out

07-03-2003, 08:26 PM	#1
78SilveradoSWB Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Beaverton, OR Posts: 1,615	Think I Got A Water Pump Problem My truck has been running hot lately, getting as high as 225 degrees and I can smell radiator antifreeze. Thought it was a bad thermostat I replaced it this morning and refilled with new anti-freeze. I ran the engine for a bit letting the temp rise and it still got over 210 degrees. Antifreeze was squirting straight down from the crank pulley. I'm assuming its coming out from the pump weep hole? Safe to assume its a water pump going out? I noticed yesterday a slight drag on the power steering which could be the pump seizing, causing a drag on the power steering. You guys think my analysis is correct? If its a pump, I guess it would be a good time to get new hoses and belts too. __________________ Mitch 1978 Chevrolet Silverado C 10 454 BB, TH400

07-03-2003, 08:28 PM	#2
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	If it's leaking out the weep hole, which is sounds like it is, yes, you are right. Time for a pump change. __________________ Mike 1985 Chevy C-10

07-03-2003, 08:55 PM	#3
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,310	from what you describe it sounds quite possible if not definite the water pump is going if ya are handy and have a reasonable idea of what youre doing, its a two hour job on the outside.. if not its gonna take a spell longer the pumps go for about $30 rebuilt at pep boys if youre going for hoses too may as well get new clamps too if therye kinda shot __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

07-03-2003, 09:15 PM	#4
78SilveradoSWB Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Beaverton, OR Posts: 1,615	It looks like the original water pump. Engine has almost 175K on it. I guess nothing lasts forever. Last year, I replaced the starter with a rebuilt. I think I'll get a NAPA one for now. Was thinking about getting a Stewart, but I guess I can wait till I get a different engine. __________________ Mitch 1978 Chevrolet Silverado C 10 454 BB, TH400

07-07-2003, 06:41 PM	#9
78SilveradoSWB Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Beaverton, OR Posts: 1,615	Just visited my local NAPA service center to get a quote on a new water pump and installation. A new pump installed would be $193 including a gallon of anti-freeze. He cautioned me that it may not be the water pump but the radiator and before buying a new water pump, he suggested I take it to a radiator shop to check the radiator. He asked me when the radiator was last flushed. Of course I didn't know because I bought this truck 2 years ago and with no history, but there is no evidence if it ever has. From his experience, trucks as old as ours tend to have a big build up in the radiator almost half way up the core causing the system to overheat and thus causing the water to weep out the pump. He told me to check the water pump by squeezing the hose and feel for the pulsation to verify if the pump is pumping or not. Wonder if I can fix the problem by flushing out the radiator myself with one of those Prestone kits? Or take it to the radiator shop so they can take the radiator apart and clean out the core? __________________ Mitch 1978 Chevrolet Silverado C 10 454 BB, TH400

07-03-2003, 09:39 PM	#5
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	I was going to recommend a Stewart pump, but didn't. I have one and wouldn't have any other kind on my truck. If/when you do get one, you won't be sorry, for sure. A big block needs help with cooling anyway. A good pump will help. I guess since you are planning on replacing the engine, it wouldn't make much sense getting a Stewart pump now.

07-04-2003, 12:30 AM	#6
Mike76251 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 2,499	Wanna buy a new pump? I have a new BB pump made by TRW I will sell. It is a high-perfomance job with a large (3/4") shaft and ball bearings made in USA. It sold for $89 and I will take $69 for it. I take Paypal. Mike

07-07-2003, 08:13 PM	#10
ElGracho Gentleman Jim Driver Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Poulsbo, WA Posts: 1,553	A brand new GDI radiator for your truck is $208 from Autozone or $209 from Schucks. You can save 5% by pricematching one against the other. I wouldn't think twice about replacing it vs. having yours cleaned out. The radiator shop will probably charge you $150 and one that is cleaned won't last as long as a new one. I would guess you will end up replacing the water pump, hoses and the radiator by the time you are done, you might as well only drain the system once and do it all now. __________________ Joe '75 GMC Gentleman Jim '84 Chev C10 Short Wide - Super duper plain (manual steering, manual brakes, no dome light, no cig lighter) '85 Chev C10 Short Wide - Super plain Vortec 4.8 4L60E trans also: '81 K30, '83 C30 Crew Dually, '84 M1028 CUCV, '85 M1009 CUCV, another '85 C10 SWB, '89 R3500 Flatbed

07-08-2003, 07:24 AM	#11
Mike76251 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 2,499	That's a new one on me...... The radiator causing the water pump to weep. I thought a weeping water pump meant the front seal was bad and NOTHING else.

07-10-2003, 05:29 PM	#13
MylilBowTie Right turn Clyde Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 2,911	If you do need a radiator check out carradiator.com They have pretty good prices and its free to find out

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